A couple in the Bavarian city of Kempten, Germany, has confessed to a staggering decade-long theft operation targeting public parking meters. The scheme, which unfolded in the popular Allgäu tourist region, allegedly netted the pair nearly €2 million, a sum equivalent to approximately 13 tons of coins.
The case came to light as the trial began on Tuesday. The male defendant, a former municipal employee, held the specific role of being responsible for collecting coins from the city's parking meters during the period under investigation. He admitted to his central role in the criminal enterprise.
According to his confession, the man stole a total of €1.34 million. This sum was taken across 335 separate incidents occurring between the years 2020 and 2025. He detailed the method, stating he would collect the coins from the machines, place them into plastic bags, and transport them to his home.
His wife was also an active participant in the operation. In numerous instances, she was the one who would retrieve the money from the parking meter machines. The combined efforts of the couple over the ten-year period are estimated to have yielded approximately €1.9 million, which translates to around R$ 11 million.
The sheer scale of the theft and its duration have had a tangible impact on the city's operations. As a direct result of the investigation and the uncovered scheme, the city of Kempten has been forced to overhaul its entire parking management system. The case highlights a significant breach of public trust and municipal security.
The confession marks a major development in the legal proceedings. With the defendants admitting to the crimes at the outset of their trial, the court will now move forward to determine the appropriate sentencing and any potential restitution for the city of Kempten.
Based on reporting from g1.